London Backpack
Hello! I can't believe it's December already!
I have't updated this blog as often the last couple of months... I've been playing video games lots and not so much sewing and knitting lol
As a kid, I didn't have much interests in video games so we didn't have any game consoles at home. After I met my husband, I played some DS and Wii games and simple games on iPhones but that was all. But lately I discovered a joy of playing action RPGs on PS4 (uh oh! more hobbies…) I'm playing Dragon's Dogma and it's a fun game!
So I'm using my free time playing game and not making much progress with sewing and knitting projects...
Also, my computer is getting pretty old and heavy/slow which is keeping me away from blogging a bit. (I like to write blog on a computer, not on a tablet or a phone.)
Anyways. About two months ago, I got an early Christmas gift from hubby. Look! A new sewing machine!
I had been using a $150 machine for almost 10 years, so this is a huge upgrade! I'm so happy that I finally have a Janome! This machine makes my sewing time much more enjoyable.
With the new machine, I first made a backpack (It was done about a month and a half ago.)
I was looking for a purse backpack (is that even a thing? A backpack that is not for school or outdoor activities, that has more of a purse or a handbag purposes) with narrow shoulder straps in a small size. I couldn't really find one that I liked, so I decided to make it!
The last time I made backpacks was 5 years ago. (Posted here.)
This time I used London Backpack pattern. I made it slightly smaller than the pattern, each pattern pieces are simple so it wasn't hard to alternate.
I used dark grey canvas fabric as an exterior fabric, and stretch twill (I think, I'm not totally sure what it is) for lining. Stretch fabrics aren't recommended for a bag/backpack but I liked the weight and the colour of it, with a sturdy fusible interfacing it wasn't a problem. I also lined the bottom with a fleece facing.
I'm pretty happy with how it turned out; the size and the shape were both what I was looking for!
Since I made the backpack smaller, I should have compensated by lengthening shoulder strap but I forgot to do that. The photo above is the lowest the backpack can sit which is totally fine on my height. But for someone who's taller (or maybe for when wearing a really thick winter jacket), it might be safer to add some length to the straps if you're making the bag smaller like I did.
This back zip pocket might be my favourite detail! That mint blue zipper peaking out makes me happy. I also thought it was such a good idea to have a pocket on a back, it's perfect to store things like phones!
I like the flap and string closure of the main part, it also has another zip pocket inside! Love the design of this pattern.
Overall, I'm pretty happy with this backpack and am excited to use it! Since it's fabric, it's light weight too.
Though I'm glad I made this, I re-realised that backpacks are not something I like to make often... It's a lot of work. This pattern is well worth it though! Maybe I'll make another one, in 3, 4 years from now :P
Dec 19, 2017
